# Lycium (Lycium barbarum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lycium
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Lycium barbarum, Goji berry, Wolfberry, Gouqizi, Chinese wolfberry, Himalayan goji, LBP, Fructus Lycii

## Overview

Lycium barbarum (goji berries) contains zeaxanthin and polysaccharides that support neurological function and metabolic health. Clinical studies demonstrate improvements in subjective well-being, mood, and lipid profiles through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) mechanisms.

## Health Benefits

• Improves subjective well-being and neurological/psychological performance (Strong evidence: meta-analysis of 4 RCTs, PMID: 22897500)
• Reduces depression symptoms in adolescents (Moderate evidence: 1 RCT showed greater HAMD-24 score reductions, PMID: 34916444)
• Lowers triglycerides and increases HDL cholesterol (Strong evidence: meta-analysis of 5 RCTs, n=259, PMID: 37773857)
• Enhances in vivo [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) status (Moderate evidence: 1 RCT, n=50, PMID: 19185773)
• Supports [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) with antifibrotic and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects (Preliminary evidence: systematic review of 20 studies including 2 RCTs)

## Mechanism of Action

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) modulate [neurotransmitter](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) pathways including [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) and dopamine systems, contributing to mood regulation. Zeaxanthin and other carotenoids provide antioxidant protection by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and reducing oxidative stress in neural tissues. The polysaccharides also influence lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) through hepatic enzyme modulation and glucose homeostasis pathways.

## Clinical Summary

A meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials shows strong evidence for improved subjective well-being and neurological performance with lycium supplementation. One RCT in adolescents demonstrated significant reductions in depression scores using the HAMD-24 scale compared to placebo. Additional studies indicate beneficial effects on triglyceride levels and metabolic parameters. However, more large-scale trials are needed to establish optimal dosing protocols and long-term safety.

## Nutritional Profile

Lycium barbarum (goji berry) contains a rich array of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds. Per 100g dried fruit: carbohydrates ~68g (including ~10g dietary fiber), protein ~12-14g (containing all essential amino acids, notably betaine ~0.8mg/g), fat ~1.5-2g. Key micronutrients include potassium (~1132mg/100g), calcium (~190mg/100g), phosphorus (~195mg/100g), magnesium (~96mg/100g), zinc (~2.7mg/100g), iron (~9mg/100g), selenium (~50mcg/100g). Vitamin content includes beta-carotene (precursor to Vitamin A) at ~3.6mg/100g, riboflavin/B2 (~1.3mg/100g), thiamine/B1 (~0.15mg/100g), Vitamin C (~29-48mg/100g in dried form, significantly higher in fresh berries ~42mg/100g). Primary bioactive compounds: Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) at 5-8% dry weight — the principal pharmacologically active fraction responsible for [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects; zeaxanthin dipalmitate (the dominant carotenoid, ~56% of total carotenoids, ~160mg/100g dried), lutein, and beta-cryptoxanthin; betaine (~0.4-1.0mg/g) contributing to methylation pathways; scopoletin (coumarin derivative); 2-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (a stabilized Vitamin C analog unique to goji, ~3.2mg/g dried). Bioavailability notes: zeaxanthin bioavailability is significantly enhanced by co-consumption with dietary fat (micellarization-dependent); LBP absorption is limited in native form but fermentation or processing may improve uptake; the stabilized ascorbic acid analog shows superior stability compared to standard Vitamin C. Polyphenols include rutin (~2.1mg/g), chlorogenic acid, and quercetin glycosides contributing to total ORAC values of ~25,000 µmol TE/100g.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosages include: 120 mL/day of standardized LBP juice (GoChi) for 14-30 days for well-being and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects; 300 mg/day LBP capsules for 6 weeks for mood support; dried wolfberry or LBP capsules used in 4-16 week lipid studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Lycium barbarum is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal effects reported in some users. It may interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on blood clotting. Individuals with nightshade allergies should use caution as goji berries belong to the Solanaceae family. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is limited, so consultation with healthcare providers is recommended.

## Scientific Research

A meta-analysis of 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials found significant improvements in well-being and neurological performance with 120 mL/day standardized juice (PMID: 22897500). Another meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (n=259) demonstrated significant reductions in triglycerides (-0.14 mmol/L) and increases in HDL-C (0.07 mmol/L) over 4-16 weeks (PMID: 37773857). A placebo-controlled trial in adolescents with subthreshold depression showed greater HAMD-24 score improvements with 300 mg/day LBP for 6 weeks (PMID: 34916444).

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lycium barbarum fruits have been used for thousands of years to support [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox), vision, vitality, and general well-being. Historical use in China includes managing fatigue symptoms and serving as a general tonic for overall health maintenance.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, Milk thistle, Turmeric, Resveratrol, CoQ10

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dosage of lycium barbarum for mood benefits?

Clinical studies typically use 15-45 grams of dried goji berries or 300-600mg of standardized extract daily. The adolescent depression study used 300mg twice daily for 6 weeks to achieve significant HAMD-24 score improvements.

### How long does it take for lycium barbarum to show effects?

Subjective well-being improvements may be noticed within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. The depression study showed significant benefits after 6 weeks of supplementation, while metabolic effects on triglycerides may take 8-12 weeks.

### Can lycium barbarum be taken with antidepressants?

While no direct contraindications exist, lycium may enhance serotonin activity and should be used cautiously with SSRIs or MAOIs. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with psychiatric medications to avoid potential interactions.

### What makes lycium barbarum different from other berries?

Lycium contains unique lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) not found in other berries, plus exceptionally high zeaxanthin content. These compounds provide specific neuroprotective and mood-regulating effects beyond typical berry antioxidants.

### Are there any side effects of taking lycium barbarum daily?

Most people tolerate daily lycium well, though some experience mild digestive upset or allergic reactions. Rarely, it may cause insomnia if taken late in the day due to its energizing effects on neurological function.

### What does clinical research show about lycium barbarum's effects on cholesterol and triglycerides?

A meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials involving 259 participants demonstrated that lycium barbarum significantly lowers triglycerides and increases HDL ('good') cholesterol levels. This strong evidence suggests lycium may support cardiovascular health through beneficial lipid profile changes. The effect appears consistent across multiple well-designed clinical studies, making it one of the most robustly supported benefits for this ingredient.

### Is lycium barbarum safe and effective for adolescents with depression?

A randomized controlled trial showed that lycium barbarum supplementation produced greater reductions in depression scores (HAMD-24 scale) in adolescents compared to control, indicating moderate evidence of efficacy for this age group. While this single RCT is promising, more research is needed to establish optimal dosing and long-term safety in adolescents. Adolescents with depression should consult a healthcare provider before starting lycium supplementation, especially if taking psychiatric medications.

### Can lycium barbarum improve mental performance and mood in healthy adults?

A meta-analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials found strong evidence that lycium barbarum improves subjective well-being and enhances neurological and psychological performance in healthy populations. These results suggest benefits extend beyond treating specific conditions to supporting cognitive function and mood in people without diagnosed mental health disorders. The consistency across multiple studies indicates this may be a reliable use for those seeking mental clarity and emotional resilience support.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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